Rachel Morgan reports on the ongoing trial of musician D4vd (David Anthony Burke), accused of murdering 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. The prosecution claims that Burke's rental home garage was used as a scene for the dismemberment, and evidence presented in court has included DNA analysis and disturbing details about the alleged disposal of the victim's remains.
On the second day of a preliminary hearing, Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) criminalist Chelsea Murillo testified that she found 11 air fresheners inside Burke's Tesla Model X. The vehicle, in which Hernandez's severely decomposed body was discovered, contained what Murillo described as a "strong odour" reminiscent of a decomposing body. Images presented to the court showed air fresheners and fly larvae among the evidence.
LAPD criminologist Lauren Wallace revealed further details about the alleged killing and dismemberment at Burke's rental home. Stains confirmed to be Hernandez's blood were found in the rear boot compartment of the Tesla, while traces of blood were discovered on rubber floor mats and brick flooring in the garage, as well as on a rowing machine, green tarp, and brown-stained wipes. A luminol-like chemical test indicated possible blood residue on an inflatable pool allegedly used to collect blood during dismemberment.
Yesterday's testimony also included evidence from LAPD criminalist Samantha Tosch, who stated that Burke's DNA was found on a trash bag in the garage. This follows earlier accusations by prosecutors of online tool purchases for alleged use in dismembering Hernandez's body with a chainsaw. Burke has denied involvement and pleaded not guilty to murder and sexual abuse charges, claiming he did not know Hernandez's age.
The victim's parents were present during the preliminary hearing, which has publicly revealed distressing details and evidence. Prosecutors claim that Burke killed Hernandez in response to her threatening to expose their alleged relationship, a charge Burke denies. Defence lawyer Blair Berk noted that only two of the swabs collected tested positive for blood DNA, neither from the passenger compartment of the vehicle.